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Butterflyweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterflyweed is a native perennial plant with clusters of tiny, orange flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.

Appearance:

• Clusters of tiny orange, reddish-orange or yellowish-orange flowers with five petals
• Flowers bloom in May-July
• Grows to 1-3 feet tall

Habitat:

• Found in fields, meadows, roadsides and other dry, open areas
• Grows in full or partial sun

Range:

• Grows throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed

Reproduction and Life Cycle:

• Seed pods develop in late summer
• Seeds have fluffy white hairs, which help them scatter in the wind
• New seedlings grow in spring

Other Facts:

• Also known as butterfly flower and butterfly milkweed
• Attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies
• Native Americans used butterflyweed for fiber to make rope and cloth, as well as for medicinal purposes

Sources and Additional Information:

• Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• PLANTS Profile for Asclepias tuberosa – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Asclepias tuberosa – The University of Texas at Austin
• PlantFiles: Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed – Dave’s Garden